: The parasites develop inside freshwater snails before being released into the water.
: Once inside, the worms mature and live in the blood vessels. The female worms lay eggs; some leave the body through urine or feces to continue the cycle, while others become trapped in body tissues, causing organ damage. Symptoms to Watch For bilharzia
Infection does not happen by drinking the water, but through with contaminated freshwater. : The parasites develop inside freshwater snails before
: When humans swim, wash, or fish in these waters, the tiny larvae (cercariae) penetrate the skin. Symptoms to Watch For Infection does not happen
, also known as schistosomiasis or "snail fever," is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes. It is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and is the second most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease after malaria. How Transmission Occurs
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) - World Health Organization (WHO)